Barking Dog Shoes

J-41 Journey Sporty Wedge Review: Second Installment

Wow, what a difference the right size makes. Not only do my toes peep now (see previous entry on peepless toes), the whole shoe feels so much more comfortable and supportive. 

If you're looking for a cute spring shoe with decent support and cushion,  the J-41 Journey is a good choice. Although it doesn't have quite the arch support as let's say, a Dansko clog, there is a cushioned, raised area underneath the arch that keeps the shoe from feeling flat. The footbed itself  is made from memory foam which feels great on my heels and metatarsal area (forefoot).

My favorite feature, however, is the roomy and high toe box. If you have a wide forefoot, bunions or hammertoes, you know how important an accommodating toe box is. I also like how the strap across the instep is made adjustable with velcro. I make sure my foot is all the way in the shoe and then strap 'em in. However, I did kick one off while walking fast after my toddler, I guess that's bound to happen when chasing in a backless shoe!

The heel is 2.5", but I really don't notice since the inch high platform offsets the height. Other features I love about the J-41 Journey: lattice cut-outs for breathability, inset flowers in wedge heel for cuteness, gold ring on instep strap for bling, map on the bottom of the sole (no gps). $109 @Zappos, free shipping both ways.

Do you like the red or the purple better?

J-41 Journey Sporty Wedge Review: First Installment

Focus on the shoe please. The shoe, I said. You're looking at my winter-white foot and making me nervous. Ok, better. I discovered the J-41 Journey last year but didn't spring for a pair until now. When I saw that this comfortable shoe now comes in red, I caved. With a pedicure, tan feet and my favorite khaki cropped pants, I imagine my feet looking pretty darn sassy in the J-41 Journey.

But can you find the problem? It's supposed to be a peep-toe, but my toes won't peep! Alas, the shoe is too big (a size 10 which I usually wear in other brands). I should have heeded the advice of other Zappos customers that reported the J-41 Journey to feel a half-size larger than marked. Today I ordered the 9.5 today in blackberry so I'll hopefully be able to compare the two sizes tomorrow and give you  a more accurate review of fit and feel. I just wanted to show you how cute the Journey is with its lattice cut-outs, velcro mary-jane strap and floral pattern in the wedge heel. In the meantime, head on over to Zappos and read some of the 207 review for yourself.  $109 at Zappos, free shipping both ways.

Palladium Kassel: Great Deals on Colorful, Strappy Flat

Update Sept. '09: Palladium is now OTBT. The Kassel flat is now the Park City flat. Read my review here!

You've got some capris stuffed way back in the closet that are just begging to come out into the sunlight. What comfortable shoe will you wear with them this spring? Let me suggest the Palladium Kassel.  As much as I love my Birks for scuffing around the playground while the kids play, sometime I like to "dress up" the whole capri look and I believe these would do the trick (yes, I know, Clinton and Stacy cry foul at the thought of "dressing up" a capri).

While the Palladium Kassel doesn't have the same arch support as the  Inglewood style featured here, the leather insole is lightly cushioned and removable. Most customers state that it runs true to size and width (best fits medium to narrow widths). The Zorro-ish criss cross elastic strap adds an element of style while providing a secure fit.

Where to buy:

• Amazon: most sizes and colors on sale from $40-60 with free shipping.
• Endless: 8 colors on sale from $36-56, free OVERNIGHT shipping.

Reader Recommendations: Born, J-41 and Merrell

I just love when friends, family and readers send in pictures and reviews of their favorite comfortable shoes.  That's my beloved sister-in-law, Heidi,  on the right. She works for Origins skincare/cosmetics which means she's on her feet all day. Here's what she had to say about the Born Somethin',

"God knows I have to be fashionable at work. I work in the Beauty Business, but have really messed up feet- heel pain, bunions you name it. So imagine my delight when I found these whimsical (people say they look like elven boots) Born shoes for work. 14 years on my feet in cosmetics and my feet feel great and I'm even in a good mood."

This particular model seems to fit the slightly wide foot well and has garnered an average of five stars for comfort from Zappos customers. $99.95 at Zappos, free shipping and returns.  Brown on sale for $79 at Shoeline, free shipping.

Next we have Catherine (darling family cropped out of photo) and Minnie Mouse at Disney. Catherine has psoriatic arthritis which mimics rheumatoid when it comes to painful, swollen joints. She read my review on the Merrell Siren and picked up a pair for her barking dogs. Smart girl. While she brought Danskos and Crocs, "... Merrell Sirens were my best performers, allowing me to feel great and walk, push a stroller, and chase for 9-10 hours a day for 5 days in a row."   And yes, Minnie IS wearing Uggs for large-footed mascots. My most recent Merrell Siren review lists where to get some pretty sweet deals on this walking shoe.

Our third and last shoe comes from Twitter friend, Caithlin. She owns the J-41 Newline oxford and wrote up a great review on her blog. Here's an excerpt,

"I was looking for a shoe with good traction, good arch support (how did I make it almost 30 years without noticing that I had extremely high arches?), and the fact that the shoes are flannel-lined and my feet are FREEZING didn’t hurt either. Also, I checked the reviews on a few different sites, and all were excellent. Now that I have them in my hot little hands (or rather, on my cold, enormous feet), they’re my favorite pair of shoes. They are warm, and SO comfortable, and the traction on that sole is AWESOME.

You can see the actual pair on her feet here. On sale for  $76.67 at Endless.com, free OVERNIGHT shipping and free returns. Overstock has a few colors and sizes left for under $45.

If you've got a favorite comfortable shoe that has a bit of sass and style, by all means, let me know. Send a photo of the shoe (with YOU in it) to kirst30@yahoo.com along with a brief review of fit and feel and I'll most definitely link back to your blog or online business.

Gap Socks Giveaway: Enter a Comment to Win

 

Update 1/28/09: Congratulations to Christina and Kristen (check out her Etsy shop of custom handmade jewelry) who were randomly chosen to win the socks!

I wish I could offer you a Wii Fit, IPhone, or at least a pair of comfy shoes, but I gots socks. Just socks. The walls were closing in on me here after a week of sub-zero temps, snow and school cancellations, and I knew I had to break free.  And where does a suburban mom go in her Honda Pilot when she wants to get away for an hour? Bing Bing Bing! You're right! Gap. The Gap. And what does she buy? A turtleneck sweater for $12 and socks. I'll keep the turtleneck, you can have the socks.

Just leave a comment anywhere on my blog by midnight Sunday, Jan. 25th and you're entered. It's that easy! The first name (randomly) chosen will get to choose either argyle or stripes. The second name, well, you get the leftover.  The colors on both pairs are black, gray and light pink and they're knee highs, not mid-calf. For Twitter users, retweet this contest and get an extra entry.